CHARLES  RIVER  PARKLANDS  UPDATE
October 2009
Archives—Table of Contents

Bulb Plantings to continue into early November!

The Conservancy’s bulb planting drive kicked off early this month with the planting of some 2,000 bulbs by volunteers from Saucony and Vistaprint along the riverbanks in Herter Park, Allston.  We’d like to thank them, as well as other October volunteers from Entercom and every individual who has graciously donated to this campaign. To check out photos from these recent events on Facebook, please click here.

We’re looking forward to holding open planting events on October 24th in Allston and October 31st in Cambridge, and encourage anyone interested to lend a hand! If you’re unable to volunteer, you can still help by donating to our bulb campaign. For additional information on volunteering or to schedule an event for the upcoming months — we’re booking into the spring — contact John Broderick at jrb@thecharles.org.

Boston Candidates Debate on Parks and Open Space

This Thursday, October 22nd, the eight at-large candidates for Boston City Council will be discussing the roles of greenspace and parks in Boston. We encourage you to attend this Conservancy-sponsored event organized by Boston Park Advocates. For more information on this event click here!

Massachusetts Rivers at Risk

New water policies implemented by the state may try to balance conservation with economics, but in doing so they are posing a distinct threat to our rivers. Members of four conservation groups — including the CRWA and the Conservation Law Foundation — resigned from a state waterway advisory panel last week, saying that these new policies will seriously undercut environmental protection, leaving rivers open to fish kills and potentially causing them to run dry. To read about this issue in The Boston Globe click here, and visit the CRWA’s website to learn how to take action!

Parklands Advocacy: Conservancy Testifies in Favor of Bottle Bill

The Charles River Conservancy is aligned with many environmental advocates — and many elected officials — in supporting the passage of a new bottle bill including water, juice, and sports drinks under the umbrella of the 5 cent deposit. It is a bill that makes sense fiscally and environmentally, and we encourage you to read about it in a Boston Globe article, in a Globe op-ed written by Conservancy Board Member Michael Epstein, and in written testimony that the Conservancy gave at the recent state house hearing. Contact your elected state officials and ask them to vote in favor of the bill’s passage.

River Stories, Part Two!

Do you have a personal story to tell? The Charles River Conservancy will be soliciting stories relating to the Charles River in anticipation of a second edition of River Stories. Submissions are due by January 15th. To submit your experiences on the riverbank, or to read previous stories, please click here.

Nicole Brown Appointed Conservancy Associate Director

The Conservancy recently appointed Nicole Brown to the newly created position of Associate Director. She has been working with the Conservancy since 2007 and is excited about the opportunities that this role will provide.  

Charles River News

Read below for other recent happenings related to the Charles River Basin.

“Rethink policy on river water — leave some for the fish.” A Boston Globe editorial from October 18th sides with environmental advocates in questioning the EPA’s recent decision. 

“RiverSing welcomes fall in Cambridge.” The Cambridge Chronicle posts some wonderful photos in a story about RiverSing, the Conservancy sponsored Revels production. 

CCTV Parklands Show

October 28th

Renata von Tscharner hosts NEU professor Ferdi Hellweger for a discussion about water quality, urban swimming, and Charles River potential.

Easy to Donate

This autumn, give securely online or send a check to the CRC at Four Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Thank you for your support!

The Charles River Conservancy takes as its mission the renewal and stewardship of the Charles River Parklands and their surroundings, particularly parks, parkways and bridges. The Conservancy engages in numerous Parklands restoration and improvement initiatives, including access and safety, education and outreach, and planning and maintenance programs, and relies heavily on individual contributions. To support the Charles River Conservancy, click here. Thank you!

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